Flying into Beautiful Shanghai

Struggling to finda cheap flight to Shanghai? Stressed out about being on a flight for more than 12 hours? Then book one of the cheapest flights with top-notch in-flight services to Shanghai, China, where you can embrace both Chinese history and modern development. Here's how to do it.

How do I Book a Cheap Flight to Shanghai?

Hainan Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Airlines offer the cheapest round-trip flights to Shanghai, with the airfare ranging between $600 and $1,200 during the off-season. The best-known airlines that often make flights to Shanghai are China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, United Airlines, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. The airfare fluctuates depending on the time of your travel.

The peak season for traveling to Shanghai usually starts from late May to early September, when Shanghai becomes a hotspot for overseas students returning home or for those traveling abroad. The prime time to travel to Shanghai is between February and early May, when you sometimes find cheap round-trip deals for $750 or less on Delta, American Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. It is also highly recommended that travelers book their flights at least two months in advance to secure the best prices.

What is the Best Way to Get to the City?

Shanghai’s subway is the most cost-effective transport to travel to the city from Pudong International Airport and vice versa. Shanghai Metro Line 2 connects the airport to major attractions in the city center and interchanges with 10 other subway lines that will take you anywhere in the city. The base fare for the Shanghai subway starts at 3 yuan ($0.45) one-way.

The airport also operates Maglev train, which transports passengers from Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Metro Station in 8 minutes with a maximum speed of 431 kilometers per hour. From Longyang, passengers can take Metro Line 2 and Line 7 to reach their destinations.

Apart from subway and Maglev train service, Pudong International Airport features eight bus routes that link the airport to the city center. You can buy bus tickets at the ticket booths in both terminals. The bus fare costs from 2 to 30 yuan, depending on your travel distance.

Are There Any Accommodations Near the Airport?

Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai, Royal International Hotel, and the QUBE Pudong Hotel are three high-end properties near Pudong International Airport. All three hotels feature various entertainment facilities, a fitness center, several dining options, excellent room amenities, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. Prices start from $300 per night. The greatest perk of staying in an airport hotel is that it offers a free airport shuttle to and from the airport, as well as easy access to the Metro Line 2.

What is There to See and Do in Shanghai?

Take a night stroll in the Bund (Waitan) with its modern architecture, multicolored lights, and nocturne of the Huangpu River. Across the river you will find the Pearl Tower; take the elevator to the top and enjoy 360-degree views of Shanghai. Visit Shanghai Circus World to see acrobatics and an animal circus. As for the food, set your feet to Shanghai Qibao Ancient Town, only 11.18 miles from the town center, which features a wide selection of ultracheap restaurants and snacks.

Are There Any Things I Should Know at the End of My Trip?

Usually, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the last leg of your trip. Upon arriving at the airport, you will find free baggage carts that are available to all passengers. Grab the carts, and load your luggage, which make it easy for you to get your heavy suitcase to the airline counters for check-in.

Once you pass the security checkpoint, you will find many cafes, bars, and fast food or international cuisine restaurants. Major shops, including retailers and duty-free outlets, are located on the third floor of both terminals. The airport also features airline lounges, banks, computer and phone stations, and bureau de change to satisfy passengers' financial and communication needs.

It usually takes 10 hours or longer to travel from Shanghai to another continent. The long flight and time differences will easily exhaust you. Before leaving, relax while embracing everything that Shanghai has to offer.